Gower’s scenery ranges from fragile dune and salt marsh in the north to the dramatic limestone cliffs along the south coast, from pony-dotted moorland to sweeping sandy beaches. Inland, the ridges of Cefn Bryn and Rhossili Down dominate a landscape of traditional small fields, wooded valleys and open commons. Sixty years ago Gower was the first region in the UK to be designated an AONB, not only for its beautiful landscape but also for its unusual variety of natural habitats. We hope this guide will help you discover why the Gower occupies a special place in the hearts of so many.

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Gower was designated the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty back in 1956

Swansea-born Dylan Thomas called the peninsula "one of the loveliest sea-coast stretches in the whole of Britain"

Worm's Head is so called because Viking invaders thought it resembled a serpent rising from the depths

Famed local delicacies include salt marsh lamb, laverbread and Penclawdd cockles. The latter were once collected from the marshes by barefoot cockle pickers

There are 1200 archaeological sites in the AONB, including listed buildings, caves, forts, castles and a cast-iron lighthouse

Whilst many locals and visitors call it 'The Gower', 'Gower' or 'The Gower Peninsula' is actually the correct way to refer to the area

Paul Lloyd, Chair of the Gower AONB PartnershipDesignated in 1956 for its classic limestone coast and the variety of its natural habitats, Gower was the first AONB designated in the UK. Rich and diverse, Gower’s scenery ranges from fragile dune and salt marsh in the north to the dramatic limestone cliffs along the south coast, intercut with sandy beaches. Inland, the ridges of Cefn Bryn and Rhossili Down dominate a landscape of traditional small fields, wooded valleys and open commons.

Its history is just as varied – from the oldest ceremonial human burial in Western Europe, to WWII defences, via a 12th Century Norman invasion, and smugglers tales. For centuries, Gower was remote and self-reliant, developing its own traditions, and a unique Gower dialect. The development of Swansea at the heart of the Industrial Revolution brought many changes to Gower – but also left the landscape unspoilt.

Now it is easy to catch a bus from the centre of Swansea, and get off in the centre of Gower just 20 minutes later. The Wales Coast Path, and the many other footpaths around Gower, make exploring by foot easy – from the open, rolling commons with their Bronze and Iron Age remains, to wooded valleys with small villages nestling in their shelter, and the dramatic coast, with its stories of smuggling and ship wrecks.

A new and free downloadable app, called ‘This Is Gower’, is packed with walks, stories, wildlife and history – making it easy to explore the past and present of Gower. Award-winning beaches, dramatic coast and rolling downs, with traditional villages linked by small lanes make Gower a place to unwind and recharge your batteries.

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Travel to and around Gower AONB

Getting there

By trainSwansea is the hub and direct trains run from London, Bristol, Cardiff, Manchester, Crewe and further afield. If you're arriving by air there are train services from London, Bristol and Cardiff Airports. For train times and information, contact National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484 950, visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or check Traveline Cymru.

By coachYou can take direct coaches to Swansea Bay and Gower from London and London's airports, Yorkshire, the West Midlands, Bristol and Cardiff, and to Swansea city from London, Bristol, Birmingham and Cardiff.

Getting around

PlusBus offers an unlimited bus travel pass in Swansea, Mumbles, Neath and the local area for £2.50, but it may not cover all areas you want to visit. Explore Gower tickets are the best bet as they give unlimited bus travel in all of Gower and Swansea for £4.50 for one day or £10 for three days. Regular services every few hours link Llanmadoc, Llangennith, Llanrhidian, Rhossili, Port Eynon and Horton. Frequent buses visit Pennard, Bishopston and Mumbles.

No trains run through Gower but touring by bicycle is a fantastic alternative to taking a car. The Bike Hub in Swansea offers daily or weekly hire of bikes and tandems which are perfect for exploring. BayTrans.org.uk is a fantastic source of information and has a useful downloadable leaflet on exploring Gower without a car, including a map of bus services.